STAFF at a Hampshire hospital have literally been in the dark over some new training.

But there is no need to worry as therapists at Southampton General Hospital underwent special blindfolded training so they can better help blind and partially sighted patients.

The My Guide session, run by charity Guide Dogs, helped staff experience what life is like for the visually impaired and better understand how they can provide support and assistance in their care.

Speaking about the training, Mandy Pike, musculoskeletal therapy manager at the hospital, said: “It is important that, alongside our day-to-day work, we think about how to improve services further for all of our patients and this innovation will ensure people with sight loss receive the right support from the moment they arrive at hospital.”

Natalie Edwards, My Guide Ambassador for southern England and the Channel Islands, added: “This training will give the participants a greater awareness of sight loss, the confidence to approach someone and give high quality sighted guiding assistance.”